Identify the metre of the poem. How does it suggest repetition and progression?

Understanding Poetic Metre

Metre is determined by the arrangement of syllables into repeating patterns of stressed (/) and unstressed (˘) beats. These patterns are called ‘feet’. Common feet include:

• Iamb: ˘ / (e.g., “de-light”)
• Trochee: / ˘ (e.g., “gar-den”)
• Spondee: / / (e.g., “heart-break”)
• Dactyl: / ˘ ˘ (e.g., “hap-pi-ly”)
• Anapest: ˘ ˘ / (e.g., “in-ter-vene”)

The number of feet per line defines the metrical line length. For example:

• Tetrameter: Four feet per line
• Pentameter: Five feet per line (most common in English poetry, like Shakespearean sonnets)

Repetition through Metre

Metre inherently creates repetition. A consistent metrical pattern establishes a predictable rhythm. This predictability is a key source of the poem’s musicality and can be deeply satisfying to the ear. The regular recurrence of stressed and unstressed syllables creates a sense of order and harmony.

For instance, a poem consistently written in iambic pentameter (˘ / ˘ / ˘ / ˘ / ˘ /) will establish a strong, recognizable rhythm. Each line will *feel* similar, even if the words themselves are different. This repetition can be used to emphasize certain themes or ideas, or to create a hypnotic effect. Consider a hypothetical line:

“The sun did rise and kiss the dew-y ground.”

Repeating this iambic pentameter structure across multiple lines reinforces the feeling of a natural, cyclical process, mirroring the daily rising of the sun.

Progression through Metrical Variation

While repetition is important, pure repetition can become monotonous. Poets often introduce progression by subtly altering the metrical pattern. This can be achieved in several ways:

• Substitution: Replacing one foot with another (e.g., substituting a spondee for an iamb to create emphasis).
• Elision: Omitting a syllable to maintain the metre.
• Caesura: A pause within a line, disrupting the flow and creating a sense of breath or reflection.
• Enjambment: The continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, creating a sense of momentum.

These variations prevent the rhythm from becoming overly predictable and can signal shifts in thought, emotion, or narrative. For example, a poet might use a spondaic substitution (//) at the beginning of a line to draw attention to a particularly important word or idea. Or, enjambment can create a sense of urgency or excitement, propelling the reader forward.

Consider this hypothetical example:

“The wind did blow, a fierce and rag-ing storm,” (Iambic Pentameter)

“And waves did crash, a mon-u-men-tal sight.” (Iambic Pentameter with slight variation)

The slight variation in the second line, perhaps through a subtle alteration in stress, can suggest the increasing intensity of the storm.

Metre and Meaning

The choice of metre is rarely arbitrary. It often reflects the poem’s subject matter and emotional tone. For example, a fast-paced, energetic poem might employ trochaic or anapestic metre, while a more contemplative poem might favour iambic metre. The interplay between repetition and progression within the metre contributes significantly to the overall meaning and impact of the poem.